Algebraic Expressions

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers, variables, and operation symbols (like +, -, *, /). For example, 5x + 2 is an algebraic expression.

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What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

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To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with specific numbers. For example, evaluating 5x + 2 for x = 1 gives 7.

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What is the distributive property?

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The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

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Simplify: 3(4x + 9)

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12x + 27

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What does it mean to factor an expression?

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Factoring an expression means to break it down into simpler components that, when multiplied together, give the original expression. For example, factoring 3 + 6x gives 3(1 + 2x).

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What is a variable in algebra?

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A variable is a symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown value. For example, in the expression 5x + 2, 'x' is the variable.

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What is a coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. In 5x, 5 is the coefficient of x.

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Combine like terms: b - 3 + 6 - 2b

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-b + 3

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What is the purpose of parentheses in algebra?

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Parentheses indicate which operations should be performed first in an expression. For example, in 3(4 + 2), you calculate 4 + 2 first.

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Evaluate: 12 ÷ a + 8 when a = 4

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